The first step to weight loss – putting yourself first

Lisa met her goal of losing 100 pounds by her 40th birthday, but the struggle continues. Click through to read about losing the first 100 pounds or click on the links below to read about the new challenges.More \232a

Lisa met her goal of losing 100 pounds by her 40th birthday, but the struggle continues. Click through to read about losing the first 100 pounds or click on the links below to read about the new challenges.More \232a

I tried writing in this space about a month ago and got three paragraphs into it before I gave up. I just feel like I'm saying the same things over and over and not making any real changes that stick. But all I can do is try again and keep trying until I get out of this rut.More \232a

10/20/10

I've reset my "Get Back on Track!" month to start today. In wanting to synch up with a calendar month, I probably didn't think things through as well as I should have in planning to be very strict with my diet when I had a bunch of special occasions coming up.More \232a

Claiming dependents on your taxes is usually a fairly straightforward procedure, but in some cases, more than one person (or couple filing jointly) will claim someone as a dependent, muddying the process

Claiming dependents on your taxes is usually a fairly straightforward procedure, but in some cases, more than one person (or couple filing jointly) will claim someone as a dependent, muddying the process

As much as I try not to focus too much on the numbers on the scale, I'd be lying if I didn't admit I was thrilled with my weigh-in this week! I can't believe I'm actually less than 10 pounds away from my first major goal in this process - to lose 100 pounds by my 40th birthday. I'm still not sure exactly what my final goal will be, but I have a feeling that once I hit 100 pounds, any subsequent goal will feel like icing on the cake.

I was really proud of myself this Memorial Day Weekend. I clocked a lot of time at the gym, even trying a few "Pump" classes that had been intimidating me for awhile. I also fit in a 10-mile walk on Saturday afternoon. There were a couple of food-centric events and, I'll admit, I wasn't perfect. But I made good choices and I ate in moderation and I felt really good about how I did.

I had a couple of interesting conversations this week that dovetailed nicely with each other and helped me see one of the main factors that I think has contributed to my weight loss success.

I was talking with some friends and mentioned that for the first time since I started walking the Avon Walks for Breast Cancer, even that has taken a backseat to my weight loss efforts. And then, a few days later, in a conversation with my old boss (who's still a friend) and my current boss, they both told me they'd always said to each other that if I'd just put as much time and effort into myself as I did into the Walks, I could accomplish anything I wanted - and look at me now.

The proverbial light bulb went on and I realized what's really making a difference this time. It's not just Weight Watchers; I've done Weight Watchers before with varied success before I gave up. It's not just the gym; I've joined gyms before and worked with trainers before and always eventually lost steam.

It's my mindset and my priorities - I decided last February that losing weight was the most important thing in my life. And that's been the difference.

Okay, that sounds a little melodramatic. But, maybe that's what it takes - a drastic, seemingly over-the-top realization that I am the most important person in my life and getting healthy and fit is the most important thing for me to achieve.

I'm not saying that you have to become a selfish, inconsiderate loner who doesn't care about anybody else and who shirks responsibilities. But I find that viewing every decision possible through the filter of "me first" really helps me stay focused.

Whether it's making just a brief stop to hang out with friends at a bar before taking my leave to hit the gym, or making sure I go to the grocery store for my staples when visiting family, or turning off the TV to make sure I get eight hours of sleep every night, every little decision gets me one step closer to my goal. Putting even the Avon Walk in a secondary position is a subtle but important decision - instead of trying to work my program around the Walk, I look at how I can use the training for the Walk to help me lose weight.

It's not an easy or quick change. For most of us, it's hard and little embarrassing to unequivocally put ourselves first and to let other people know we're doing it. But I'd encourage you to look at your life and the choices you make. Take note of where you might be making excuses and sabotaging yourself and try to make those small changes that will ultimately lead to big results.

*DISCLAIMER*: THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ON OR PROVIDED THROUGH THIS SITE IS INTENDED FOR GENERAL CONSUMER UNDERSTANDING AND EDUCATION ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO BE AND IS NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE. ALWAYS SEEK THE ADVICE OF YOUR PHYSICIAN OR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER BEFORE COMMENCING A DIET OR EXERCISE PROGRAM. USE OF THIS SITE AND ANY INFORMATION CONTAINED ON OR PROVIDED THROUGH THIS SITE IS AT YOUR OWN RISK AND IS PROVIDED ON AN "AS IS" BASIS WITHOUT ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTIES.